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Get ready to celebrate the vibrant culture and contributions of Caribbean communities in the UK on Windrush Day, June 22! This day commemorates the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948, carrying hundreds of Caribbean migrants who were invited to help rebuild Britain after World War II. Since then, this day has been an opportunity to honor the valuable impact these individuals and their descendants have had on British society. It's a day to celebrate diversity, resilience, and unity - so let's join together in recognizing and appreciating the rich heritage of Caribbean communities.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Arrival of HMT Empire Windrush</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ship docked at Tilbury on June 22, marking the start of large-scale Caribbean migration to the UK.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>West Indian Gazette Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Established by Claudia Jones, this newspaper allowed for Caribbean voices to be heard in the UK.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Notting Hill Race Riots</div><div class='timeline-text'>This marked a turning point in race relations in the UK, leading to equality laws in the 1960s and 70s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Notting Hill Carnival</div><div class='timeline-text'>Organized by Claudia Jones and Rhaune Laslett, it was a response to the racial tension and celebrated Caribbean culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Windrush Scandal</div><div class='timeline-text'>Government admitted wrongful detention and harassment of long-term UK residents who arrived from Caribbean before 1973.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Windrush Day Grant Scheme</div><div class='timeline-text'>The government launched the scheme to support activities celebrating Windrush Day, promoting education and understanding of Windrush history.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a Windrush Day celebration in your area and attend to immerse yourself in Caribbean culture and heritage. Enjoy traditional food, music, and dance performances.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read books by Caribbean authors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge and understanding of Caribbean history and culture by reading books written by authors from the Windrush generation. Some suggestions include "The Lonely Londoners" by Sam Selvon and "Small Island" by Andrea Levy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about the Windrush generation and their impact on British society by watching a documentary such as "The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files" or "Windrush: Movement of the People."</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local museum or exhibit that showcases the history and contributions of the Windrush generation. This is a great way to learn more about their experiences and honor their legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Caribbean-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a fun and festive celebration of Windrush Day. Decorate with Caribbean colors and serve traditional dishes such as jerk chicken and plantains. You can also play Caribbean music and teach guests some traditional dances.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the rich contributions of the Windrush generation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Windrush Day is a day to honor and recognize the immense contributions of Caribbean immigrants who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971. These individuals played a vital role in rebuilding post-war Britain and have made lasting impacts on British society in diverse areas such as culture, music, food, literature, and more.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the struggles of the Windrush generation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Despite their significant contributions, many members of the Windrush generation faced challenges and discrimination upon their arrival in the UK. Windrush Day serves as a reminder of these struggles and brings attention to issues that still exist for Caribbean communities today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and cultural exchange</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Windrush Day is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the diversity and richness of Caribbean culture. It helps to foster understanding and promote unity among different communities, while also encouraging cultural exchange and appreciation.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The name 'Windrush' originates from a river in England</h3><p class='facts-content'>HMT Empire Windrush, the ship that brought the first large group of Caribbean migrants to the UK, was named after the River Windrush located in south-central England.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The journey on HMT Empire Windrush was not comfortable</h3><p class='facts-content'>The ship was a former German troopship, captured during World War II and repurposed for passenger use. The conditions were overcrowded with limited facilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Windrush Day was formally recognized by the UK government in 2018</h3><p class='facts-content'>This came after a serious national controversy. The 'Windrush scandal' was a series of wrongful detainments and deportations of Caribbean people who were legally residing in the UK.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Windrush Square" exists in London as a physical tribute</h3><p class='facts-content'>Located in Brixton, a district known for its Caribbean cultural influence, Windrush Square is a public space that was named in 2010 to honor the Windrush generation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Windrush generation has influenced many areas of UK life</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond the fields noted such as culture and literature, their influence is strongly felt in the National Health Service, transportation, and other essential services sectors, where many Windrush immigrants found employment.</p></div></div>
Windrush Day is celebrated on June 22 every year. In 2024 Windrush Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jun 22
Thursday
2024
Jun 22
Saturday
2025
Jun 22
Sunday
2026
Jun 22
Monday
2027
Jun 22
Tuesday
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